Gemma Collins, Richard Blackwood first celebs CONFIRMED for Dancing On Ice 2019

ITV has confirmed Gemma Collins and Richard Blackwood as the first two celebrity contestants for Dancing On Ice 2019.

The ice skating contest returns for its eleventh series early next year, and rumours about the stars taking part recently began to emerge.

Last week, show bosses began teasing the line-up by posting close-up shots on Instagram, leaving fans speculating about who the mysterious figures might be.

Now the line-up reveal has officially kicked off, with ITV today announcing Gemma and Richard as the first two contestants.

They appeared on today’s edition of This Morning – fronted by Dancing On Ice presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield – to confirm their involvement.

Gemma, who rose to fame on The Only Way Is Essex, told the duo that she’s “really, really up for it”.

“I’m so excited, I’m so excited! I know how hard it is, I’ve done my research Phil, don’t worry!” The GC laughed.

“I’m scared and nervous. I don’t know one how they’re gonna lift me up, and two how fast I can move around that ice, but I really wanna give it a go.

“I love the costumes, I want the fun factor. I’m going for it, i’m literally going for it.”

Meanwhile, former EastEnders actor Richard said he’ll be training to look good in the glittery outfits.

“I can skate, but I normally dance on dry on dry land,” he explained. “Dancing and skating are two different things that I’ve gotta combine… but I can move. I’m not gonna lie Phil, I can shake my stuff!

“I’m training because I know they’re going to put me in some tight stuff. There’s going to be a lot of shape. I’m training from now.”

Dancing on Ice’s latest run will feature a total of twelve famous faces, with more to be confirmed shortly.

Each week they’ll skate live on TV with their professional partners, aiming to impress the Ice Panel – including head judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.

As always, viewers will vote to help decide which pairs progress throughout the competition.

Rumoured participants include Coronation Street favourite Jane Danson and Westlife singer Brian McFadden.

Love Island stars Dani Dyer and Wes Nelson have also been tipped to appear.

Dancing On Ice is due to return to our screens in January.